What does a minor car service include?

A minor car service doesn’t cost much money, but it is a necessary part of maintaining your vehicle and keeping everyone safe. Regular services are also a good way to pick up any problems early, before they end up costing you a lot of money to fix at your auto service centre.

Some people think that they can skip the minor car services and just have the major ones, but that doesn’t work, because by the time your major service is due, your car is already in trouble (because your skipped the minor services).

You really do need to book your car into your local auto service centre for regular services and to show the importance of them, let’s take a look at what one of these minor services involves.

• Your engine oil is drained and replaced with new, clean oil so that your car runs more efficiently.

• The oil filter is also replaced, so that your engine runs more smoothly.

• All of the fluids are flushed and changed – these include the clutch, transmission, power steering, brake and coolant fluids.

• Your battery is tested to make sure that it holds its charge and is unlikely to need replacing before your next service.

• Your car is given a full safety inspection, to pick up anything that needs replacing or fixing, either now or in the near future.

• A drive test is performed, to make sure that nothing has been missed that could endanger you, your family or anyone else on the road.

• All of the remaining filters (air, fuel and pollen) are inspected to make sure that they don’t need to be replaced.

• The gear box oil, transfer case and diff oil are checked as well.

• Your wiper blades are inspected to make sure that they don’t need to be replaced.

As you can see, a minor car service covers a lot of territory and helps to make sure that your car is always safe. It also helps to prevent unexpected problems occurring out of the blue, which might cost you a lot of money if they were simply ignored and left too long before being repaired.

So make sure to book your car into your local auto service centre for regular services and avoid costly repair jobs in the future.

What does a major car service involve?

Let’s face it, most of us dread having to book our vehicle in for a major car service because of the time involved and the money it is going to cost. So we keep postponing the inevitable and think that we will make the call next month or next payday.

The problem with this approach is that we can end up requiring a major car repair service instead of a major car service, which will cost us a lot more than the service. The answer is clearly that we need to keep up with our services to prevent something even more expensive happening with our car.

So what does a major car service actually include? Because your car doesn’t look any different after you have just spent a couple of hundred dollars on it! Well there are quite a few things that need to be changed, flushed or inspected when you book in for a major service.

• Engine oil: Your old, black dirty oil is replaced with new, clean oil, which makes your engine run more efficiently and smoothly.

• Filters: The oil, air, fuel and pollen filters are all replaced, making your car run more effectively.

• Spark plugs: Your spark plugs are replaced to maximise your fuel economy.

• Brakes: Your brakes are inspected, cleaned and adjusted if necessary.

• Flush and change: The transmission, clutch, brake, power steering and coolant fluids are all flushed and replaced, increasing the efficiency of your car.
    

• Road test: All major car services include a road test, to pick up any problems that can’t be detected easily just by inspecting the engine and which might need to be fixed now or at a later date.

• Safety inspection: A full safety inspection is performed so that you can have complete confidence in your car.

• Battery test: This makes sure that your battery is still charging correctly and that it shouldn’t need replacing any time soon.

• Checks: On top of all this, the gear box, transfer case and diff oil are all checked, as are the wiper blades and all of your bulbs.

As you can see, major car services prevent you from spending money on a major car repair service, so it really pays to make the effort and book your car into your local mechanic’s shop for regular services.

7 Reasons Your Vehicle Needs a Car Brake Service

It doesn’t matter whether you drive to work every day or only use your car on weekends, for the safety of yourself, your family and everyone else on the road, you need your brakes to work perfectly. The problem is that when your brakes start to wear down, it can happen very slowly and you just don’t realise that a problem exists until you can’t stop your vehicle or you hear screeching from your brakes.

That’s why a regular car brake service is so important, because it can catch early warning signs, before they become catastrophic and you end up paying thousands of dollars for brake and clutch repairs. Neglecting your brakes, ignoring warning signs and not having regular services will only end up costing you a lot more money and possibly heartache in the future.

So having regular services, as well as car brake services is just common sense. One of the obvious signs that your brakes need attention is a screeching noise when you depress the brake pedal. This screeching noise means that that your brake pads are wearing down and there is not much left, so you need to replace them fast.

It’s important to note that just because you haven’t heard any screeching from your brakes, if you find that it takes longer to stop your vehicle or you have to increase the pressure on your brake pedal to actually stop your car, then you really need to book in for a car brake service before it is too late and your brakes fail.

Here are 7 signs that you need to book in for a car brake service soon:


1. Your brakes fail and the car does not stop.
2. Grinding noises when you depress the brakes.
3. Your steering wheel vibrates when you depress the brakes.
4. It takes longer to stop than normal.
5. Your car pulls to the left or right when braking.
6. Your handbrake is slow to work.
7. You have to depress the brake pedal harder.

If you don’t have regular car brake services, then you can end up paying thousands of dollars for brake and clutch repairs, so it pays to be vigilant and don’t ignore any warning signs that your brakes need attention.

How to Choose Experienced Vehicle Maintenance Services

All of us at some time or another need an experienced vehicle maintenance service centre, to either service our car, organise a pre purchase inspection or to perform diagnostics and mechanical repairs. Finding someone who is both experienced and reliable and also doesn’t charge too much, can be a difficult task sometimes.

So to make your search easier, here are a few tips on finding an experienced vehicle maintenance service in your area:

• Ask your friends and relatives: The easiest way to locate a good auto shop is to ask people you know for their recommendations. This can include your family and friends, as well as your work colleges and neighbours.

• Search online: If you have a collection of recommendations from people you know, then do a quick search online and check out their websites. Most vehicle maintenance services will have a website, making it easy to check out their services and their location.

• Visit the auto shop: If you have the time it is always best to actually visit the auto shop and ask them about the work you need performed. For example, if you want a pre purchase inspection or an auto brake service, then you can ask them to explain what is involved, face-to-face, which gives you a better idea of their experience and knowledge.

• Clear explanations:  If the mechanic explains himself well and is happy to answer all of your questions, this will give you more confidence in their ability. Someone who is too busy or reluctant to talk with you about your needs, may not bother to do a good job, so being friendly and accommodating is a good sign.

• Listen to you: Does the person at the vehicle maintenance service centre actually listen to what you have to say or do they ignore your thoughts and just talk right over you? If they listen, this usually means that they will do what you ask them to do, such as to contact you if the repairs come to more than $200 for example. If they don’t listen to you while you are simply talking, they might not listen to your instructions and you might end up with a much higher bill than you anticipated.

These are just a few tips that will hopefully help you find a reliable vehicle maintenance service centre in your area.

Three reasons to take your car to Steve Sorensen Mechanical for major car services in Logan QLD

When you own a vehicle, you want a mechanic who is reliable, so you can to turn to them for all of your major car services in Logan, Qld. So you will be happy to know that one of the most long standing, auto service centres in Browns Plains is Steve Sorensen Mechanical, who has been in the trade for more than twenty years.


At Steve Sorensen Mechanical you will receive a professional service by mechanics with a wealth of experience - they are very good at tracking down the source of complex and frustrating car problems. The problem is that you have so much money invested in your car, you cannot afford to go to the wrong mechanic, one who overcharges you and does a below par job – costing you even more money in the long run.

Book in at Steve Sorensen Mechanical for a major car service in Logan, Qld

Steve Sorensen Mechanical has a strong reputation within the local community, for being extremely professional and for providing high quality work at very reasonable prices. If that doesn’t convince you that this is the auto service centre for your car then let’s take a closer look at why Steve Sorensen Mechanical is the right service centre for your next major service in Logan Qld.

• High quality work: All of the mechanics at Steve Sorensen Mechanical are fully qualified and highly experienced in all types of automotive repairs and servicing. They are so confident that they guarantee all of their work and if you are not satisfied (very unlikely), just have a chat with them and they will make sure that you go home happy. 

• Competitively Priced: All of their prices are very reasonable and compare well with other service centres. You won’t be charged over the odds at Steve Sorensen Mechanical and you will be very happy with their high quality work.

• Range of services: Whatever you need, you can find at Steve Sorensen Mechanical, from brake services, to log book car services, pre purchase inspections, all types of repairs and major car services in Logan, Qld.

So be sure to give them a call and book in at Steve Sorensen Mechanical for your next major car service in Logan Qld.

Does a vehicle maintenance service by my local mechanic void the warranty?

When you buy a new vehicle, the dealer will most probably recommend that you have all of your auto services performed by their dealership. This is because car dealerships make a lot of money from their vehicle maintenance services and repairs.

The problem is that in most cases, items like pre purchase inspections and vehicle maintenance services will cost you much more in a dealership than at an independent mechanical shop. Dealerships however, allow you to think that you will void your warranty if you do not use their services.

In part this is true, but only if you don’t go to a reputable mechanic and follow certain conditions laid down by the Federal Government. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) have clearly stated that your warranty will not be voided if you go to an independent mechanic for your vehicle maintenance services – if the following three conditions are met:

• The person who performs the service on your car must be a qualified mechanic. Unless you are also a mechanic, if you perform your own services, then you will void your warranty. Otherwise, a qualified mechanic is legally allowed to perform vehicle maintenance services on your car without voiding the warranty. 

• You need to have all of the services performed to the manufacturer’s specifications. This means that all of your vehicle maintenance services must be performed at the stated times and intervals or else your warranty will be void.

• You need to use the appropriate parts for your vehicle. This is simply common sense, but some people are under the belief that you have to use genuine parts, but this is not a condition of the warranty. The parts must just be fit for the purpose – they must be designed to do the job and meet or exceed the manufacture’s standards.

So next time you buy a new car, make sure that you have a pre purchase inspection and then if you decide to buy, don’t be hoodwinked into paying out much more than you need to the dealership. Check out your local auto mechanic shops and find a reliable mechanic to perform all your services and save yourself a lot of your hard earned money.

Where can I get a Major Car Service in Logan Qld?

If you are looking for a reliable and honest mechanic’s workshop, where you can book in for a major car service in Logan, Qld then check out Steve Sorensen Mechanical in Browns Plains.

At Steve Sorensen Mechanical you will find highly experienced mechanics who have spent years in the industry, honing their skills. They not only perform vehicle services, but also brake and clutch repairs, road worthy certificates, and repairs to automatic transmissions, radiators, steering and suspension and much more. They also have a nice clean and modern workshop and an extensive array of diagnostic equipment.

Major Car Service in Logan, Qld

The major service includes an oil change including a new oil filter, all necessary fluids are checked and topped up, the battery is tested, and a full safety inspection and a road test are performed. Also included in the major service are new spark plugs, a check on the tuning of your engine, and your brakes are inspected, cleaned and adjusted as needed.

At the completion of a major car service at Steve Sorensen Mechanical, they will let you know about anything further that needs to be checked, repaired or replaced. That’s because they are very safety conscious, so if they notice anything that needs to be performed to keep your vehicle safe and prevent further deterioration, they will let you know.

Car Service for Log Books in Logan, Qld

You can also have a log book car service performed at Steve Sorensen Mechanical which is carried out to the manufacturer’s specifications and in no way compromises your warranty. Mechanics can legally perform log book car services, so long as they adhere to the specifications laid down by the manufacturer. At Steve Sorensen they use parts and lubricants that meet or exceed OEM standards, so you have no worries about violating your warranty.

So if you are looking for an experienced mechanic who can perform major car services in Logan, Qld as well as car services for log books, then give Steve Sorensen Mechanical a call on 07 3809 2711 or complete their online enquiry form.

Best vehicle repairs and maintenance services in Brisbane

If you are looking for one of the best vehicle repairs and maintenance centres in Brisbane and you live in the Logan area, then check out Steve Sorenson Mechanical at Browns Plains.

That’s because this mechanics workshop has been around since 1996 and they have built a solid reputation for being honest and hardworking mechanics. They are a family owned and operated business with a clean, modern workshop and have all of the latest diagnostic equipment.

At Steve Sorenson Mechanical, all of your vehicle repairs and maintenance jobs are performed by highly trained mechanics with years of experience in the trade. So if you are looking for someone to perform a roadworthy certificate in Browns Plains, check out Steve Sorensen Mechanical.

Roadworthy Certificates, Browns Plains

Your vehicle will need a road worthy certificate, because you are either selling your vehicle or you are re-registering an unregistered vehicle. This safety inspection does not cover everything on a vehicle, but it does cover enough, so that the vehicle is considered to be mechanically sound at that time and can be operated safely.

The mechanic who issues your roadworthy certificate will check your tyres, brakes, steering and suspension, and will also look for rust or other damage to the vehicle’s body, check the windscreen and the lights.

Whenever you purchase a second hand vehicle you need to make sure that you are also given a current roadworthy certificate by the seller. You will need to take this into Brisbane Transport to change the registration into your name.

Vehicle Repairs and Maintenance, Browns Plains

If you live in Logan, then pop over to Steve Sorensen Mechanical for all of your vehicle repairs and maintenance jobs. Their mechanics are highly experienced in all makes of vehicles and can perform minor and major services, log book services, brake and clutch repairs, automatic transmission repairs, steering and suspension repairs, cooling system repairs, diagnostics and pre-purchase inspections.

So if you live anywhere near Browns Plains, make sure you check out Steve Sorensen Mechanical for all of your vehicle repairs and maintenance jobs.

Do you need a major car service in Logan, QLD?

At Steve Sorensen Mechanical we perform a lot of major car services in Logan, QLD at our car care centre in Browns Plains. One of the reasons we are so successful is because we have built a reputation for honesty and integrity within the local community and we have a vast amount of experience across many different makes of vehicles.

We perform a number of different services for our customers at our car care centre in Browns Plains:

Minor services

With these services we change your engine oil (making sure you have the right oil for your vehicle) and give you a brand new oil filter. We also check and top up all of your engine fluids and test the battery. Then we perform a full safety inspection and perform a road test. If there is anything that requires further attention we will let you know so that you can factor that into your budget for a future date.

Major car services, Logan QLD

In addition to all the jobs for a minor service, in a major service we also give you new spark plugs, tune your vehicle, inspect your brakes, and clean and adjust them. Again, if anything crops up that needs further attention we will let you know.

Car services for log books

We perform all log book services to the manufacturer’s specifications and you will still retain your vehicle warranty and all of the parts and lubricants we use meet or exceed OEM standards. So you don’t have to worry about returning to the car dealership for your car service - log book services can be performed, quite legally by qualified mechanics.

Extras for all services

Regardless of the type of service you book with us, we also check your air, fuel and pollen filters, your gear box oil, transfer case oil, diff oil, all fluids, coolant, your wiper blades, bulbs and your spark plugs. If any of these also need replacing we will let you know at the time of the service.

So you can be sure of s full service at Steve Sorensen Mechanical car care centre in Browns Plains. Call us on 07 3809 2711 or complete our online enquiry form.

Browns Plains Auto Shop: The Benefits of an Auto Brake Service

At Steve Sorensen Mechanical, Browns Plains auto shop we know the value of a well maintained vehicle. One of the most important maintenance tips we can give you is to have regular auto brake services, because these will help keep your vehicle safe for everyone involved.

Most of us take our brakes for granted, expecting them to work whenever we need them. If a car slows ahead of us, we know exactly when to start braking and don’t tend to question the why’s and how’s. A serious problem exists when our brakes fail, when we press the pedal and nothing happens – then we are in serious trouble.

So what are the real life benefits of an auto brake service?
 

• Safety concerns: Keeping your family, yourself and other road users safe should be of prime importance to all vehicle owners and a well maintained vehicle is important to achieving this outcome. Having your brakes checked and an auto brake service performed at your local Browns Plains auto shop is just common sense. So if you have any concerns at all about your braking system, come in and chat to us and we can set out a regular maintenance schedule for your vehicle – for your peace of mind.

• Cost concerns: If you leave it too late and your brakes fail, you can be up for a lot of money fixing the damage. Yes, brake pads will eventually wear out and rotors need to be replaced as well, but an auto brake service can pick these issues up and let you know when they need replacing, so you can plan your finances. It is much better to know that you need to replace your pads and discs in the next 6 months, rather than having to pay for costly repairs or accident damage, because you ignored the problem.

So if you are concerned about the safety of your vehicle and you want to enquire about an auto brake service or any of our other services, call us on 3809 2711 and let’s keep your family and yourself safe on the roads.

How to avoid automatic transmission failure

One of the biggest reasons to have an auto pre purchase inspection is to avoid unexpected and costly repairs once the car is in your name. Apart from needing to replace the entire engine (you did have an auto pre purchase inspection didn’t you?), one of the most costly problems we encounter at Steve Sorensen Mechanical is an automatic transmission repair job.

Of course, depending on what’s wrong, it might not be too expensive, but transmission problems can set you back quite a bit of change, so avoiding these sorts of problems is always the best course of action. The two best ways to avoid spending money on transmission repairs of course, is to have a pre purchase inspection and a regular transmission service.

Auto pre purchase inspections

Your mechanic will check a long list of items on the car to make sure that it is not only currently safe, but there are no hidden problems that may surface within the near future. Some of the issues that are checked include:

•    Making sure the odometer works and matches any service documents
•    Matching the VIN number and the registration
•    Is there any tampering with the compliance plates and any evidence of major accident damage?
•    Is the car on the written-off register?
•    Do the tyres have a legal tread, are the brakes working and safe?
•    Are there any oil, transmission or radiator leaks?
•    All hoses intact, lights and A/C working?
•    Seatbelts working, doors locking, lights working?
•    Is there any rust and is there evidence of previous rust that has been filled?
•    Are there any computer fault codes?
•    Does the car drive well?


Automatic transmission services

The vast majority of transmission failures are due to a lack of servicing and maintenance, so avoiding costly automatic transmission repairs is actually quite easy – make sure you have regular services on your transmission. Your transmission service includes, replacing the transmission fluid, inspecting the old oil for any residue that may indicate internal damage, replacing the filters, checking for leaks and a road test.

So if you want to prolong the life of your car and avoid expensive automatic transmission repairs, call us at Steve Sorensen Mechanical and book your car in ASAP.

5 maintenance tips to keep your car driving smoothly

At Steve Sorensen Mechanical, we know that the cost of vehicle repairs and servicing can add up over time. The problem is that if you don’t take care of your car, those expenses can sky rocket and you can be out of pocket sooner rather than later.

Vehicle repairs and servicing

 
If you want to save money on costly repairs, then you need to have regular services to keep your car in tiptop shape. In between services, there are also other actions you can take, which will help to keep your car running smoothly. These are fairly inexpensive, when compared to vehicle repairs and servicing and will help to lengthen the life of your car.

So make sure you incorporate the following 5 tips into your maintenance schedule and help reduce your vehicle repairs and servicing costs.

1.    Check your brakes: Brake pads can be inexpensive to replace, but they can cause a lot of additional damage if you ignore the warning signs and end up with metal on metal.

2.    Check your oil: Not many people check their oil as often as they should. If you engine runs dry then you are really in trouble and I don’t want to tell you the cost of replacing an engine. So don’t go there. Check your oil at least monthly and keep it topped up with the correct oil for your engine.

3.   Check your tyres: Underinflated tyres cause your engine to burn more fuel, so check your tyre pressure monthly. Also rotate your tyres regularly to ensure an even wear.

4.   Check your coolant: If your engine overheats, you can be in big trouble so check the level of your coolant monthly and keep it topped up. 

5.   Check your air filters: Clogged filters can reduce the running efficiency of your engine and result in higher fuel costs. So check your filters and replace them when needed.

So if you want to avoid costly vehicle repairs and servicing, make sure that you keep your vehicle in good shape between your regular mechanical services. Call us on 07 3809 2711 for all your servicing and repair needs.

Benefits of using a local auto mechanic service

Maybe we are biased, but at Steve Sorensen Mechanical in Browns Plains, we believe that a local auto repair shop is a much better investment for vehicle owners, than a large dealership or a large chain. Your vehicle is your pride and joy and needs to be kept running safely with as few costly repairs as possible, so the auto mechanic service you select, must tick all the following boxes:

• Cost: Without a doubt, car dealerships and large chains will charge a lot more to service or repair your car than your local auto repair shop. Cost, however isn’t always the defining factor on who you chose to service or repair your car. However, knowing that the costs are reasonable and you are not being over charged is a good feeling. I am not saying that car dealerships and large chains deceive you, but it is only sensible to compare costs and decide for yourself, how much you want to pay for services and repairs.

•  Experience: Your local auto repair shop relies on the local community for their livelihood, so they are going to be highly experienced in all aspects of vehicle repairs and servicing. Most likely, you will find that the owner works in his own shop and gets his hands dirty every day. Compare this to the large chains who hire people with no real investment in the company or in the customers. At Steve Sorenson, we go out of our way to give you the best service and repairs possible and we even suggest ways you can save money and still keep your car running well. That’s because we have the experience and the desire to engage with our customers, unlike a hired hand in a large chain.

•  Confidence: You need the confidence in knowing that the local auto repair shop you chose, has the experience and the knowledge to do a good job at a reasonable price. Local auto mechanic services remain in business because their customers keep coming back, year after year. They build a solid reputation in their local community and build their customer base via word of mouth and customer referrals. If a local mechanic is not good at his work and is too costly, he will not stay in business for long.

So if you are in the Browns Plains area, pop in and see us at Steve Sorensen Mechanical. We are well known in the local community and very competitively priced.  

How to tell when your car’s automatic transmission needs repairing

At Steve Sorensen Mechanical in Browns Plains, one of the most frequent services we do is an automatic transmission service. This is because our customers know that if they ignore problems and leave it too long, that automatic transmission repairs can be costly.

So it is always wise to have your automatic transmission serviced regularly. In between services however, there are certain signs that all is not well with your transmission and if any of the following occur, you need to book your car in as soon as you can, for at the least a service and at the worst, an auto transmission repair.

• Engine warning light: If this is on, it doesn’t necessarily indicate something is wrong with your transmission, but if the engine light is on and you also have any of the other problems described below, then you need to book your vehicle in for a transmission check immediately. In fact, don’t ignore your engine light even if you don’t have any of these signs, something is wrong in your engine if this light is on and it needs to be investigated.

• Vibrations: When the vehicle changes gears, it should be effortless and there should not be a shaking feeling or any vibrations felt at all. This can mean that your clutch is in trouble and is a clear indication that you need the problem investigated by an expert.

• Leaking fluids: If you notice red oil leaking onto the ground, this could either be from your transmission fluid or your power steering system. So check both levels and keep an eye on them. If the leak is only small and both levels remain within good limits, then you have some time on your hands, but if either level drops below minimum, then it needs to be booked in and checked quickly. 

So there you have it. The best way to avoid costly automatic transmission repairs is to be vigilant, check your levels and if any of the signs above appear, talk to your mechanic and have the problem investigated by an expert.

Expert Auto Repairs: Car Brake Service

Vehicle maintenance services, in particular car brake services, are essential to keeping ourselves, our families and everyone else on the road safe. Too often however, people either forget about having their vehicle serviced or just keep putting it off until a more convenient time.

We all need to find the right balance in life between being too busy and getting things done. It can be hard, especially if you are doing it tough, but sometimes there is no other way than to bite the bullet and book in for a vehicle maintenance service. You know it is the right thing to do, especially if you are due for a car brake service.

CAR BRAKE SERVICE

So how do you know that you need a car brake service? Well one of the best ways is to ask your mechanic – he or she can tell you how often you should have your brakes checked. Failing that, here are 5 reasons why you should definitely book your car in for a car brake service:

• Noisy brakes – this can indicate worn brake pads or linings and you need to have them checked before the situation deteriorates to the point where you need major work done on your brakes.

• Brake pedal sticks – if your brake pedal stays down when you put your foot on it or it is slow to release there may be a problem with the master cylinder – get it checked.

• Vibrations – if your car or steering wheel starts to vibrate when you depress the brake, then it could be a whole host of problems – book it in for a service.

• Pulling to one side – if your car pulls to one side when you depress the brakes you might just need a wheel alignment, but it could also be a problem with the calipers – call your mechanic and get it checked.

• Locked up brakes – if your brakes lock when you depress the pedal, you might just have some grease or oil on the linings which can be easily fixed. Sometimes it can indicate something more sinister is wrong – so book it in for a check-up.

As you can see, there are many indications that something is going wrong before the point of no return. It’s important to not only your wallet that pick up on these signs, but it’s also vital to avoid serious accidents and injuries in the case of your brakes failing. So make sure to book in for a car brake service and head off any major costly in the future.

Call Steve Sorensen Mechanical in Browns Plains on 07 3809 2711 for all your vehicle maintenance services.

Looking For Vehicle Repairs Services In Browns Plains?

If you are looking for vehicle repairs and servicing in the Browns Plains area, then you have come to the right place. Car mechanics services are essential to the safety of your family and at Steve Sorensen Mechanical we love what we do. Steve Sorensen has been an A grade mechanic for more than 30 years and has been in the area for over 20 years. He owes his success to being honest, to being an expert mechanic and to being there for his clients when they need him.

Car mechanic’s service

If you own a car then vehicle repairs and servicing is just a part of life that we all have to do at some time or another. The good thing about a car mechanic’s service is that it minimises the risk of needing costly repairs. If you make sure to have your car checked and maintained by a reliable and trustworthy mechanic on a regular basis, then you can avoid having to pay for repairs that could have easily been avoided.

Lots of people try and perform their own vehicle repairs and servicing and there is nothing wrong with that – if they know what they are doing. Problems arise when something has been missed that could have been picked up by an experienced mechanic and then they end up emptying their wallets paying for costly repairs, that didn’t need to happen.

Another problem is that we are all so busy in our daily lives and even though we are full of good intentions, we just don’t seem to have the time to get around to servicing the car ourselves. That’s why it is important to know there is an experienced and trustworthy mechanic in the area, that will do the job right and at a reasonable cost.

Vehicle repairs and servicing

At Steve Sorensen Mechanical we provide vehicle repairs and servicing for clients in the Browns Plains and surrounding areas. We strive to excel at everything we do and take great pride in our work. If your vehicle needs a car mechanic’s service, call us and we will fit you in at a time that is suitable for all of us.

Without our clients, we would have no business, so we go out of our way to make sure that we meet your needs. If your car needs repairs, then we will take a look and give you an estimate of the costs involved. We are very reasonably priced and we have clients that have been coming to us for years – because we give value for money, every time.

So if you are searching for vehicle repairs and servicing in the Browns Plains area, call Steve on 3809 2711 and let’s get your car back on the road.

Steve Sorensen Mechanical: Tips on choosing the best vehicle repairs and servicing centre

When it comes to vehicle repairs and servicing, you want to find a car mechanics service that is honest and reliable. That’s really the bottom line when it comes to finding a car mechanic service shop.

So what’s the best way to find a reliable mechanic and how do you really know that you have picked the right one? Many people avoid the warning signs that their car needs a service or that something might be wrong, because they are afraid of being ripped off by unscrupulous mechanics. No-one wants to be charged exorbitant prices and pay for things that don’t need fixing.

Items like brake and clutch repairs can be costly, so you want to be happy with the car mechanics service that you have selected. You want to be sure that if the mechanic says something needs to be fixed, that they are being honest with you and that they charge a fair price.

So here are 5 tips to help you find the right mechanic for you.

1. Ask family and friends: If people you know and trust recommend a mechanical shop to you, then that really helps in making your decision. Ask them what repairs they had done on their car and how much they were charged.

2. Compare prices: Make sure that you get 2 or 3 estimates for your work and compare the prices. Just because a car mechanics service is cheap doesn’t mean that they are competent. Cost should only be one element in your decision, you need to consider other factors as well.

3.   Location: Vehicle repairs and servicing can take anything from a few hours to a couple of days, so think about whether you can you walk from the car mechanics service centre to your work or home. Alternatively, can they drop you off at work or home in your car, and then drive it back to the mechanical shop?

4. Do they listen to you: Be wary of mechanics who appear to dismiss your questions or your concerns. The mechanic needs to explain clearly to you what needs to be done and to know that they need your authorisation to perform extra services. This gives you the opportunity to ask more questions and to take your car to another car mechanics service for a second opinion, if you believe the quotes are too high.

5. Go with your gut feelings: Once you have sorted out the first 4 points above, go with your gut feeling. If their shop is dirty, unkempt and looks disorganised, even if they are cheap, maybe you want to look elsewhere.

For brake and clutch repairs, log book servicing, minor or major servicing or any type of mechanical repairs, call Steve Sorensen Mechanical at Browns Plains on 07 3809 2711. 

Steve Sorensen Mechanical: How car service log book services keep your car in top shape

As Steve Sorensen’s car care centre in Browns Plains, we know the value of regular car maintenance. We see cars coming in all the time that need really expensive repairs, repairs that could have been avoided if the owner had maintained regular services at our Browns Plains auto shop.

Mechanical problems can be picked up really quickly with regular services, avoiding the costly repair bills that come when warning signs are ignored. It just makes sense to prevent a catastrophe, rather than try and cure one.

So one of the things that we get hot under the collar about at Sorensen’s Browns Plains auto shop are car service log books. The log book is a schedule of minor and major services that the manufacturer has said are necessary to maintain your car in tip top shape. It also includes the intervals when these services should be performed.

Lots of people ignore these services and just top up the vehicle’s fluids now and again, kick the tyres and hope for the best. The problem is that ignoring the scheduled services, set out in your car service log book, is just a pathway to disaster. You will end up paying more for repairs down the road, more than the costs of all the missed services put together – and then some more again.

So at Steve Sorensen’s car care centre in Browns Plains, we encourage all of our customers to bring their cars in for regular servicing as a preventative measure against costly repairs, which can blow out your future budget.

Depending on your kilometres, your car service log book will state whether a minor or a major service is required. If you know your way around a car you can do these minor services yourself, however a certified mechanic needs to sign your logbook.

This is because your logbook is a valuable asset when it comes to selling your vehicle. It is proof that your car has been regularly serviced and is a record of all the repairs undertaken. An up-to-date log book helps you achieve top dollar when you sell your car. So a certified mechanic needs to sign your logbook for every service.

What if you don’t have a car service log book?

Sometimes when you buy a used car it doesn’t have a log book. So if this has happened to you, pop in to our Browns Plains auto shop and ask us how often your car needs to be serviced to keep it in good shape. We can come up with a schedule for you and if you keep records of these services and the receipts, this will be as good as a log book when you come to sell your car.

So pop into Steve Sorensen Mechanical, the car care centre in Browns Plains and let us help you keep your car in tip top shape.

Is it worth paying for an auto pre-purchase inspection?

Most people are aware of the benefits of a car mechanics service but tend to be unaware that the same sort of service can be very beneficial before you buy a car. By this we mean an auto pre-purchase inspection, which most people don’t think about or dismiss because they don’t want to pay for this type of car mechanics service.

There are of course arguments for and against an auto pre-purchase inspection, but if you are buying a car privately then the cost of this service can be extremely beneficial, especially if it prevents you buying a car that needs lots of repair work.

The RACQ and NRMA both offer this service, but any qualified and reputable mechanic can also perform a pre-purchase inspection. They will most probably take a few hours to go over the car and then give you an itemised accounting of any issues they have found on the vehicle.

Some of the issues they check include:

• Is the odometer working?
• Does the odometer agree with any service documents?
• Does the VIN number and the registration match?
• Is there any tampering around the compliance plates?
• Is there any sign of previous accident damage?
• Is there any rust?
• Has previous rust been fixed properly or just filled?
• Bouncy shock absorbers.
• Do all the tyres have a legal tread?
• Do all the lights and windscreen wipers work?
• Do all the gauges work?
• Is the A/C working properly?
• Are the seat belts intact, in good condition and working?
• Are there any radiator or hose problems?
• Are there any oil and transmission fluid leaks?
• Does the engine run smoothly with no problem noises or worrying exhaust smoke?
• Do all the doors lock and seal correctly?
• Are the seats in good order and fitted correctly?
• Any cracks in the windows or light fittings?
• Are there any computer fault codes?

 
Usually, a road test is also performed as part of this auto pre-purchase inspection because some problems only come to light when the engine is warm and has been running for a while.

If you don’t want to pay for an auto pre-purchase inspection, even though it can save you a lot of money in the long run, do make sure that you take someone with you who has a good mechanical knowledge. The last thing you want is to hand over your valuable money and register the car in your name, only to have to pay out thousands of dollars to have the car repaired a short time afterwards.

Tips to make sure your vehicle repairs and servicing goes off without a hitch

What do you do if you have problems with the vehicle repairs or servicing on your car? Well the best way to address these types of problems is to avoid them. So here are some real tips on how to make sure that everything runs smoothly with your vehicle repairs and servicing.

• Find a reputable repairer: Make sure that whoever you choose to service or repair your vehicle is qualified to do the job and has the right equipment.

• Make sure you get at least two different quotes: Make these written and itemised quotes, with quotes for the parts and for the labour. If you think the quotes are too high, question them to make sure that you understand exactly what the costs relate to – and get another quote to be sure.   

• Ask them to explain the problems clearly: There is nothing worse than being confused with jargon. Make sure the mechanic explains all the details clearly to you and you understand exactly what is wrong (and what you are paying for).

• Can you afford the repairs? If you agree to have the repairs done on your vehicle and you can’t afford to pay for them, the mechanic may not release your vehicle to you until you pay. Ask if you can arrange a payment plan with them (but they are not required to offer this service).

• Make sure they know you want to authorise any work not included in the quote: This avoids lots of unpleasantness when work has been performed on your vehicle that was outside of the original quote

• Ask for an itemised final bill: Make sure that all the work has been completed and that you understand the costs of the labour and parts.

• Keep these bills: This helps if you have any further issues that you believe should already have been fixed and also helps when you want to sell your car. A car with a history of services and evidence of repairs undertaken by a reputable mechanic should sell much better than a car with no service history.

If you have a problem with the charges on your bill for the vehicle repairs and servicing or believe that the repairs were not carried out properly, the best course of action is to discuss these issues with the mechanic. Most repairers want to keep their customers happy and value repeat customers – so they will do their best to sort out any problems you may have.

If you can’t come to a reasonable solution then you can ask to see their complaint handing procedures, which must comply with Australian Standards. As a final resort you can make a formal complaint about the vehicle repairs and servicing to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).